In Episode 95 of Downtown Depot, show host Austin Meek interviews Eric Linares. Eric talks about coming from a family of Mexican entrepreneurs, how visits to the mercados of Tampico, Mexico, helped shape his East Side Market project, and his heart for showcasing Waco’s underground artists. Before that conversation, Michael Carpenter of City Center Waco brings The Word on the Street for December: “Proposal,” in reference to the City’s Request For Proposal for a building on Elm Avenue.

Inside the Episode:

Michael Carpenter, show host Austin Meek, and Eric Linares

0:38 - The Word on the Street: "Proposal" with Michael Carpenter of City Center Waco

4:54 - Eric Linares' Waco history

6:01 - Coming from a family of entrepreneurs

8:24 - Tampico culture

10:11 - Integrating into downtown

13:24 - The origins of East Side Market

15:38 - Diversity!

18:20 - Different vendors

22:29 - Latino businesses to support

23:44 - Incremental development at Colord Avenue & 15th Street

26:34 - Supporting Waco's emerging arts